Shockwave therapy vs. dry needling for jumper's knee
Official title: Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Dry Needling on Pain, Knee Function and Quality of Life in Jumpers Knee
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07756918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether extracorporeal shockwave therapy can reduce knee pain and improve function more than dry needling in adults with jumper’s knee.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07756918 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-35 with a confirmed jumper’s knee for more than one month and pain ≥4 on the pain scale.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent knee surgery, chronic knee disease, recent corticosteroid injections, trauma history, or systemic illness may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind clinical trial compares two treatments for jumper’s knee: extracorporeal shockwave therapy and dry needling. Fifty participants aged 18-35 with at least one month of jumper’s knee and a pain score above 4 will be assigned to one of the two treatments using a sealed envelope method. Outcomes measured before and after the 10-week intervention include pain levels, knee function, and quality of life. The study aims to determine which therapy better improves pain, function, and daily living, with treatments delivered 2-3 times per week over the period. Ethical approval was obtained from the Riphah International University committee, and the trial will take place at Hameed Latif Hospital in Lahore.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with jumper’s knee may experience greater pain relief and improved knee function with one of the therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in this area has explored both therapies separately, with mixed results; this study uses a head-to-head comparison to clarify their relative effects.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants of either gender between the age of 18-35 years with a confirmed diagnosis of jumper's knee for more than 1 month. * Confirmed diagnosis of jumper's knee for more than 1 month. * Pain NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) score greater than 4 at the first evaluation. Exclusion Criteria: * Surgery around the knee joint within the last 6 months. * Chronic knee joint disease. * Knee pain management with corticosteroid injections in the last 3 months. * Trauma history * Systemic illness
Where it's running
-
Hameed Latif Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Waqas Qadir, DPT — Study Principal Investigator
- Study coordinator: Amna Shahid, t-dpt
- Email: amna.shahid@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 0334-4512823
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.